History, Origin, Culture and Tradition of Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State

 
##Introduction to Mbo Local Government Area
Mbo is a Local Government Area (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. The LGA was officially established in 1989, following a nationwide administrative restructuring by the federal government, during which it was carved out of the former Oron Division.

##Geographic Boundaries
Mbo shares its northern boundary with Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA, while to the south, it borders both the Atlantic Ocean and Cameroon. It is flanked by Udung Uko LGA to the east, and Esit Eket and Ibeno LGAs to the west.

##Ethnic and Cultural Composition
Mbo is one of the five LGAs inhabited predominantly by the Oron ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State. The LGA consists of several traditional clans—some of which have evolved into districts—including Afaha Okpo, Effiat, Afaha Ukwong (currently known as Nkwong District), Ibiaku, Ikpo Ikono, Ikpa Ibom, Atanuk, and Ekpuk.

##Languages Spoken
The primary language spoken in Mbo is Oro, which features slight dialectical variations across communities. Efik is also widely understood, followed by other local languages like Ebughu, Efai, and Enwang-Uda, which contribute to the area’s rich linguistic heritage.

##Communities and Settlements
The LGA includes a variety of villages and towns, among them:

Asana Mbo

Ekpuk

Ibianga

Iffe

Ikot Abia-Utok

Ikot Afang

Ikot Eda

Ikot Ekpaw

Ikot Enyienge

Ikot Esen Akpan Ntuen

Ikot Mkpeye

Ikot Obio-Nso

Ikot Umiang

Ikot Unya Iton


Ikpa Ibom District contains 28 communities, including:

Atanuk

Ekim

Ibiotio

Ikot Aba

Ikot Akata Mbo

Ikot Akpa-Ekop Mbo

Ikot Akpabio Ukam

Ikot Akpaden

Ikot Akpan Ukam

Ikot Ayan

Ikot Edim

Ikot Edong Ukam

Ikot Ekong

Ikot Ekpang

Ikot Enin

Ikot Etefia Ukam

Ikot Eto

Ikot Iseghe

Ikot Obio Ekpong

Ikot Obio Ndoho

Ikot Obio-Akai

Ikot Okop-Odong

Ikot Oyoro

Ikot Ukwa

Ikot Inyang-Okop

Ndom Gbodom

Ndom Ibotio

Obioete


##Economy and Occupations
Mbo is home to a lively and industrious population, including a significant number of non-indigenous residents. The economy is centered on marine-based activities—especially fishing and waterway transportation. With abundant rivers and creeks, fishing is a major livelihood, supplying a wide variety of seafood.

The area's fertile lands also support subsistence farming, with crops such as cassava, plantain, vegetables, and different fruits grown in abundance. Other economic pursuits include local trade, canoe and fishing net construction, and craftwork.

##Environmental Features
Covering an area of about 365 square kilometers, Mbo experiences an average temperature of around 25°C. The region enjoys a humidity level near 80% and frequent breezes with wind speeds averaging 11 km/h. It is rich in water bodies, including rivers and streams, and is known for its large tracts of forest reserves.

##Natural Resources
Mbo LGA is endowed with a range of natural resources. These include forest products such as timber, fruit, and vegetables. The area also has mineral deposits like clay, fine sand, salt, gravel, and significant quantities of crude oil—both onshore and offshore.

##Prominent Figures

Late Chief Etim Inyang: Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Nigeria, he hailed from Enwang, a town in Mbo LGA.

Chief (Hon.) Joseph Atte: The first executive Chairman of Mbo LGA. He was instrumental in the development of the LGA’s infrastructure, overseeing the construction of key facilities including:


The Local Government Secretariat buildings

Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat

Mbo Vocational and Craft Centre

The Enwang Beach Market

And several administrative blocks